New £200 Cost of Living Support Announced for Seven DWP Benefit Recipients
The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled a significant new support package, with £200 Cost of Living payments being made available to residents across England who receive specific benefits. Local councils and authorities are receiving direct funding from the DWP to distribute these crucial payments to eligible households within their communities.
Portsmouth Leads Implementation with Enhanced Support Scheme
In Portsmouth, a dedicated utilities payment scheme has been established to provide targeted assistance to low-income households struggling with escalating energy and water bills. The council has confirmed that eligible single-person households will receive £150, while couples and families will benefit from the full £200 payment.
Portsmouth Council emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: "The household support fund is money from the UK Government to help residents most in need with everyday essentials like food and energy bills. It also helps prevent people from falling into, or further into, financial crisis."
Critical Application Deadline and Eligibility Requirements
Residents must submit their applications before 12 noon on Thursday 26 February, with the scheme potentially closing early if all available funds are allocated. The council has noted that due to limited funding, prompt application is essential to secure support.
Households already receiving council support through services such as social care, housing assistance, or community advice programmes may receive additional help with their applications. Income thresholds have been established, requiring single adult households to demonstrate earnings below £935, while couples must show income under £1,350.
Seven Benefit Categories Qualify for Support
The DWP has identified seven specific benefit categories that make recipients eligible for this financial assistance:
- Pensioners receiving disability benefits
- Carers and caring households receiving Carer’s Allowance
- Those receiving the Carers Element of Universal Credit
- Care leavers and care experienced adults
- Low-income working aged adults with Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) who don't receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Single parents receiving Universal Credit with both child and housing cost elements
- Residents in temporary council accommodation who pay their own utility bills
The comprehensive list includes recipients of Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit carer element, Universal Credit child element, Universal Credit housing costs element, along with state pensioner disability payments including Attendance Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, and Constant Attendance Allowance.
This targeted approach ensures that those most vulnerable to cost of living pressures receive meaningful financial support during challenging economic times, with local councils playing a crucial role in identifying and assisting eligible residents within their communities.
